STEM Early College HS celebrates first Decision Day

It’s an exciting time at STEM Early College High School! With only a few years under way since its inception in 2014, the school’s first Class of 2018 proudly proclaimed their higher education plans during its Decision Day on May 4.

Administrators, teachers and family members gathered at the school’s cafeteria to cheer on all 93 seniors for making a commitment to further their education. Juniors were also invited to witness the momentous occasion.

Beaming with pride, STEM ECHS Principal Dr. Eddie Rodriguez congratulated the students for their dedication and numerous accomplishments.

“The success here has been phenomenal. We have 90 percent of our seniors who have been accepted to a college or university, and 90 percent of the students will earn their associate’s degree, when typically in the State of Texas in an Early College High School it is only 30 percent, so we have exceeded that number tremendously,” he said.

Dr. Rodriguez also recognized the families in attendance for their support and staff members for spending countless hours helping students fill out college and scholarship applications.

“When you look around the room and see all of these seniors who are here, you are looking at a little bit over $5 million in scholarships,” he added.

He thanked all the partnerships for making STEM ECHS possible, including Palo Alto College, and wished students the best of luck in their bright futures.

“This is a dream come true after all the help we received from everybody, from board members to the superintendent, from families to central office, everyone working super hard, this is the icing on the cake,” he said. “We are so excited for our students, and we know they are going to do great!”

Students received a certificate and signed a banner declaring where they will continue their education. Representatives from the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy were also present to welcome their future students.

To conclude the event, college-bound baskets were raffled to several lucky students, containing dorm essentials and even a microwave.